We bid farewell to 2014, after a tumultuous year of global events that have created much tension and anxieties… middle east conflict, ebola threat, environment disasters, financial uncertainties, declining oil prices and the loss of our Malaysian airline jet planes. These have invariably taken a toll and have contagion effects on our businesses.  Nevertheless, the reason for hope, new beginnings and opportunities will always come around.

For the last quarter of 2014, we give members and readers an update on the 8th edition of INTRADE on their event held on 20 – 22 October 2014.  This event is MATRADE’s highlight event of the year and the Malaysian lifestyle and fashion have been given a new focus. The response has been encouraging and promising.

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Hon. Sheikh Hasina made an official visit to Malaysia, soon after Showcase Bangladesh 2014 ended successfully on 3 December 2014.  The Hon. Prime Minister was accompanied by an 85 member delegation comprising senior Ministers of her Cabinet together with leading Bangladesh business people.  The business dialogue session with Hon. Prime Minister, was chaired by MASSA President, Tan Sri Azman Hashim.  A strong crowd of Malaysian investors in Bangladesh was present at the dialogue.  Many pertinent issues were raised and the Hon. Prime Minister gave her assurance to provide a conducive environment for bilateral ties between the 2 countries to continue to flourish.

MASSA also received a distinguished visitor namely, Mr Marcos Bednarski, Minister/ Deputy Chief of Mission of Embassy of Argentina in Malaysia.  MASSA also hosted the visit of H.E. Dr. Vo Duy Khuong, Vice Chairman of Danang People Committee of Danang City, Vietnam to Malaysia.

We feature Kyrgyz Republic in this edition.  A country with much potential for business in many areas, especially in the halal manufacturing business and services sector.  This country has rich agricultural resources that would benefit from good processing technologies to value add its produce.  It has also deposits of gold, rare earth metals and coal that could be further explored.  MASSA is looking forward to receiving a business delegation from Kyrgyz Republic in the 1st quarter of 2015.

We in the editorial team take this opportunity to thank all our members, associates, sponsors and contributions, for assisting us in the publication of our e-newsletters throughout 2014.  Let’s continue our collaborations to mutually strengthen the South-South platform.

We wish all members and readers “Season’s Greetings” and a fruitful New Year.

Fatimah Sulaiman
Editor